Embedded Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Embedded Artificial Intelligence (EAI) integrates AI technologies with resource-constrained embedded systems, overcoming the limitations of cloud AI in aspects such as latency and energy consumption, thereby empowering edge devices with autonomous decision-making and real-time intelligence. This review provides a comprehensive overview of this rapidly evolving field, systematically covering its definition, hardware platforms, software frameworks and tools, core algorithms (including lightweight models), and detailed deployment processes. It also discusses its widespread applications in key areas like autonomous driving and smart Internet of Things (IoT), as well as emerging directions. By analyzing its core challenges and innovative opportunities in algorithms, hardware, and frameworks, this review aims to provide relevant researchers and developers with a practical guidance framework, promoting technological innovation and adoption.